Cementing tool



Oct- 17, 1944 F. P. AUsBuRN ETAL CEMENTING TOOL Filed April 19, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l Z ffl oct. 17, 1944. F- P- AUSBURN ETALl CEMENTING .TOOL

Filed April 19, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z55 e A i 43%# /C ,1 f :V21 i WZ W Jp@ W ,M n: 7mm" p 4. v 41 M M j @2 ab www Z d 1m. www@ 6 n G THQHHU uw Y W Cr/J 4 Patented Oct. 17, 1944 OFFICE CEMENTING TOOL Frank P. Ausburn and Charles C. Winslow, Long Beach, Calif.

Application April 19, 1941, Serial No. 389,384

11 Claims.

This invention relates to well tools and relates more particularly to tools for handling fluids in wells. A general object of the invention is to provide a simple, dependable and easily operated tool useful in discharging or placing cement, acids, and the like, in wells and useful in perforation washing and like operations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a well tool useful in well cementing operations and the like, that permits a thorough and effective washing of the casing or liner before the delivery of the cement and that provides for the washing away of excess cement that may remain in the tool and casing or liner at the completion of the cementing operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character referred to embodying a novel by-pass means that permits the free full flow of fluid through the cementing string to the packed off zone of operation and then back up through the well casing and that permits a fullv reverse ow of fluid through the casing to the packed off zone and then back up through the cementing or washing string to the ground surface.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well tool of the character mentioned embodying a single simple valve means operable by easy manipulations of the washing or cementing string to control communication between the packed off zone and the interior of the tool and the casing communicating therewith.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well tool of the character referred to in which the interior of the tool is entirely unobstructed and free of valve stems, springs and other parts liable to become displaced, mudded up or made inoperative.

Another object of the invention is to provide a well tool of the character referred to in which the pin and slot controls for the valves are fully and effectively sealed against the entrance of the fluid and solid matter particles and in which the valve sleeves are sealed with the tool body so that they cannot be made inoperative by fluid or solid matter particles that might enter them.

A further object of the invention is to provide a well tool of the character referred to that is readily conditioned to be run through the well without interference by the fluid column standing therein.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of the tool provided by this invention in the operative position in a well casing or liner with the principal or upper valve open to allow the free flow of washing or flushing fluid through the tool and packed off zone. Fig. 2 is a View similar to Fig. 1 with the valve closed for the cementing operation. Fig.v 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with both the upper and lower valves open to condition the tool for removal from the well. Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the upper portion of the tool with the upper valve open. Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the lower portion of the tool showing the lower valve closed and Fig. 6 is a transverse detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 4.

The improved well tool of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, an elongate tubular body I0 adapted to be connected to a tubular well string S, spaced packing means I I on the body I0 for sealing with the interior of a well casing or liner L to define a limited zone or chamber C therein, the body I0 being ported and partitioned to have an upper portion in communication with the chamber C and to have a lower portion communicating with the well above the chamber C, valve means I2 for controlling communication between the chamber C and the lower portion of the body I0, and valve means I3 for controlling communication between the interior of the body IIJ and the well or liner L below the sealing means I I.

The body I0 may be a simple elongate tubular member or assembly and is intended to be connected to the lower end of a cementing string, washing string, or lthe like. In the typical case illustrated the body I 0 comprises four tubular sections I4 connected by couplings or threaded collars I5. The uppermost body section I4 is connected with the tubular well string S by a coupling I6. It is to be understood that the cementing string or washing string S extends to the top of the Well and is adapted to conduct fluid to and from the tool and is adapted to be manipulated for the control of the tool.v The lower end of the tubular body I0 is equipped with a check valve for preventing the down flow or discharge of uid and adapted to open to permit an upward flow of fluid into the body when the tool is being lowered into the well. A bull nose or tubular guide I1 is threaded on the lower end of the body IIJ and carries a ported cage I8 which extends upwardly into the body. A ball valve I9 is arranged in the cage I8 and is adapted to seat downwardly therein to close the tubular guide Il. It is to be observed that the body lil, just described, is a very simple inexpensive assembly.

The spaced packing means I I are carried by the body IU to seal with the interior of the casing or liner L at vertically spaced points and thus denne or provide the sealed ofi" zone or chamber C for the reception of the washing iluid under pressure and the cement or other iiuid being discharged into the well. The packing means i I may be varied considerably without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. It is preferred to employ sealing means or packing means that will be actuated or expanded by uid under pressure in the chamber C. In the drawings we have shown frusto-conical sealing members 2i) of rubber or other yielding resilient material mounted on the body I in sets or pairs to constitute the upper and lower sealing means II. The upper pair of cup-like sealing members Z is arranged to have its concave sides facing downwardly, while the lower set of members 29 is positioned so that the concave surfaces of its members face upwardly. With this disposition of the members 20 the members are expanded or actuated by pressures within the chamber C to better seal with the wall of the liner L.

Thimbles 2l are arranged on the body Iii to surround or partially conne the rear sides of the sealing members 20 and the outermost thimbles 2i bear against collars or flanges 22 formed on the exterior of the body I9. Spacers 23 are arranged between the inner sides of the outermost members 20 and the thimbles 2i of the adjacent members. Nuts 2f are threaded on the body I9 and engage against the innermost sealing members 29 to hold the assemblies in place on the body. The position of the sealing means II on the body I9 may be varied. In the typical construction illustrated the upper pair of sealing members 2G is arranged on the uppermost body section I4, while the lowermost pair of members 20 is mounted on the second to the lcwermost body section le. It will be seen that fluid under pressure admitted to the Zone or chamber C serves to expand the members 29 into tighter sealing engagement with the interior of the casing or liner L and that the spaced sets of members 20 isolate the chamber C from the remainder Vof the well.

In accordance with the invention the body l5 is ported and partitioned so that the string S and the upper portion of the body ,Ill communicate with the packed off chamber C for the iow of fluid to and from the chamber C and so that the lower portion of the body I9 has communication with the interior of the liner L above the packed off chamber C. One or more lateral ports 25 is provided in the wall of the body Il! adjacent and below the upper pair of sealing members 2B. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated there is a single port 25 of substantial capacity provided in the uppermost body section Iii immediately below the nut 24 of the upper sealing or packing assembly. One or more lateral ports are provided in the wall of the body I9 above the upper pair of packing members 2G. Ne have shown a single port 26 of ample capacity formed in the wall of the uppermost body section I4 above its collar or flange 22.

A novel partition 2'! is provided in the interior of the tubular body I0 to divide the body into an upper portion which is connected with the chamber C by the port 25 and a lower portion which is placed in communication with the interior of the liner L above the upper packing members 2O by the port 26. rEhe partition 21 completely closes on" the interior of the tubular body I0, being an im erforate member whose edges are secured to and sealed with the internal walls of the body. The partition 21 extends longitudinally through that portion of the body I9 which carries the upper sealing members 20 having a long major portion occupying a diametric plane of the body to divide the interior of the body into two passages A and B. The passage A maintains the string S in communication with the port 25 and the chamber C and the passage B maintains the major lower portion of the body I0 in communication with the port 26 and the liner and well above the uppermost sealing members 29. The lower end of the partition 21 is sealed and joined with the interior of the body 'I0' below the port 25, wL ile the upper end of the partition is joined and sealed with the interior of the body above the port 26.

The valve means I2 governs communication between the packed off chamber C and that portion ofthe body I 9 below the partition 2l'. When the valve means l2 is open uid may be circulated down the string S to iiow through the chamber C and return up through the body I9, liner L and casing to the top of the well or uid may be circulated in a reverse direction to pass from the liner L through the port 26 and passage B to the body In and then through the chamber C and back out through the passage A and string S. When the valve means I2 is closed the chamber C remains in communication with the string S by reason of the port 25 and passage A but is isolated from the other portions of the body I0 and from the casing and liner L above and below the sealing members 20.

The valve means I2 is provided on the body I0 below the port 25 and is an external valve mea-ns, being arranged entirely on the outside of the body Iii. In the particular construction illustrated the valve means I2 is provided on the second to the uppermost body section I4 and includes an annular series of lateral ports 28 in the lower portion of that body section. The valve means I2 further includes a sleeve 29 slidable on the body I9 between 'a lowered position where it covers the ports 2S and a raised position where the ports 28 are open. The sleeve 29 is of substantial length to have ample slidable engagement on the body I9. Friction means is provided on the sleeve 29 to resist its movement in the liner L during movement or manipulation of the body i0. A plurality of leaf springs 39 is provided on the sleeve 29 to frictionally engage in the well casing or liner L. The upper end portions of the springs 30 are secured to the sleeve 29 by screws 3|, or the like, and the intermediate portions of the springs are bowed outwardly to frictionally bear against the interior of the liner. The lower portions of the springs 3! are free to work or shift in a ring 9 secured to the sleeve 29 but are conned against outward movement by the ring.

A control means or latch means is provided to govern relative movement between the body IIJ and valve sleeve 29. A pair of diametrically opposite longitudinal slots 32 is provided in the wall of the sleeve 29 substantially midway between the ends of the sleeve. The slots 32 are provided at their lower ends with lateral or hori- Zontal arms 33 which extend in a right hand direction, Pins 34 are fixed to the body II! and string S to discharge through the passage A and port 25 into the chamber C and then iiow back up through the ports 28, the passage B, port 25 to the liner or casing or the fluid may be pumped down through the casing and liner L to flow through the port 26, passage B, body I to discharge from the ports 28 into the chamber C and then flow back out through the port 25 and passage A and then through the string S to the ground surface. In either case there is a free passage 'for the fluid and, if desired or necessary, the tool may be raised and lowered during the washing operation to thoroughly clean the interior of the liner.

To condition the tool for the discharge or placement of the cement, acid, or other uid, the string S is turned slightly to the left and is raised a short distance. This operation moves the pins 38 to the upper ends of the slots 32 and results in movement of the ports 28 up into the sleeve 29 where they are closed. IIt is to be observed that this closing of the valve means I2 has no effect whatsoever upon the valve means I3 because the valve means I3 is not opened unless the string S is turned to the right. With the valve means I2 closed the cement, acid, or other fluid, is passed or pumped down the string S to flow through the passage A and port 25 to the chamber C. The fluid thus delivered to the chamber C discharges outwardly through the perforations in the liner L. The uid thus delivered may be under substantial pressure. The sealing members are eX- panded into tighter sealing engagement with the liner L by fluid under pressure in the chamber C and dependably prevent the escape of the fluid from the chamber C.

At the completion of the cementing operation or acid placement operation it may be desired to flush out the tool and liner L. Preparatory to this operation the valve means i2 is opened. To

open the valve means I2 the body I0 is moved downwardly a short distance and then turned to the right to engage the pins 34 in the slot arms 33. This latches the valve sleeve 39 in the position where the ports 28 are uncovered but these manipulations have no effect upon the lower valve means I3 because the turning of the body is insufcient to align the ports 4|] and 46. With the valve means I2 open flushing fluid may be pumped down the well around the string S to flow in through the port 26 and passage B and to discharge through the ports 28 into the chamber C and then flow back out through the port 25, passage A and string S. If desired, the washing fluid may be pumped down through the string S to flow in the reverse direction through the chamber C and discharged through the passage B and port to ow out of the well. Following this washing operation it may be desired to move the tool to another position in the well. If the tool is to be raised to a new position it is desirable to open the lower valve means I3. This is accomplished by turning the string S to the right. This movement of the string S brings the pins 4l to the forward ends of the slots 45 and moves the ports 40 into registration with the ports 4'6. With the ports 40 in communication with the ports 46 the tool may be freely raised in the well. With the tool in the new position the string S may be turned to the left to close the ports 40 and latch or set the valve sleeve 4I in the closed position. The washing and cementing operations may then be carried out as described above. When the tool is to be Withdrawn from the well the valve means I3 is opened as just described. With the ports 46 uncovered the tool may be drawn up through the column of well fluid with a minimum of resistance because the fluid flowing down through the body I0 is free to discharge through the registering ports 40 and 46.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modiiications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. In a well tool, a tubular body having a port in its wall, a sleeve shiftably engaged around the body to control the port and having a slot between its ends, a part on the body cooperating with the slot, and jacket means on the sleeve for preventing fluid from reaching the slot, the jacket means comprising sealing flanges on the sleeve beyond the opposite ends of the slot, and tubular sections around the sleeve to cover the slot and having surfaces for sealing with said anges.

2. In a well tool, a tubular body having a port in its wall, a sleeve shiftably engaged around the body to control the port and having a slot between its ends, a part on the body cooperating with the slot, and jacket means on the sleeve for preventing fluid from reaching the slot, the jacket means comprising sealing flanges on the sleeve beyond the opposite ends of the slot, tubular sections around the sleeve to cover the slot and having surfaces for sealing with said ilanges, and a threaded connection between the sections for tightening the surfaces aaginst the anges.

3. A well tool for use on a tubular string comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to have its upper portion communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is provided between the body and well lining, a partition across the interior of the body, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of the string and the chamber, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body which is below the partition andthe interior of the well lining outside the body above the packing members, the body having a port for putting the chamber in communication with the interior of said portion of the body below the partition whereby fluid may be circulated through the chamber, valve means operable to open and close said port, the body having an opening for putting said portion of the body below the partition in communication with the well below the packing members and valve means operable to open and close said opening, both of said valve means being controlled by movement of the string.

4. A well tool for use on a tubular string comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to have its upper portion communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for Sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is provided between the body and well lining, a partition across the interior of the body, means formed inthe body for providing communication between the interior of the string and the chamber, means'formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body which is below the partition and the interior of the well cooperate with the slots 32.v The parts are formed and related so that the cooperation of the pins 34 with the lateral slot arms 33 holds the sleeve 29 in its raised position where the ports 28 are uncovered. This relationship is illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 4. When the body I0 is turned slightly to the left and then raised the pins 34 are moved into the upper parts of the slots 32. This manipulation of the body I Il moves the ports 28 into the sleeve 29 and the ports are closed. This position is shown in Fig, 2. The springs 30 frictionally engaging in the liner L serve to resist movement of the valve'sleeve 29 when the body is being manipulated between the position where the ports 28 are open and the position where the ports 28 are closed.

The invention includes means for sealing the ends of the valve sleeve 29 with the body Ill to prevent fluid vand solid matter particles from entering the sleeve. Packing sets 35 are arranged against the opposite ends of the valve sleeve 29, see Fig. 4. The packing sets 35 may be of the chevron type as illustrated. Caps 39 are threaded over the ends of the valve sleeve 29 to retain and compress the packing sets 35. The packing sets 35 effectively slidably seal with the body I0.

The invention further provides means for enclosing or sealing olf the slots 32 to prevent the latch means from becoming mudded up or rendered inoperative by solid matter and for preventing liquid and solid matter particles from entering the sleeve 29. Annular external ridges or flanges 31 are provided on the valve sleeve 29 above and below the slots 32. The outer sides or ends of the anges 31 are bevelled or sloped in opposite directions as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4. iAn annular or tubular jacket is engaged around the slotted portion of the valve sleeve 29. This jacket comprises two threadedly connected sections 38. The threads of the jacket sections 38 are equipped with gaskets or other sealing means. The sections 38 are enlarged in internal diameter to engage over the flanges 31 and to have internal sloping or tapered surfaces 39 for cooperating with the bevelled ends of the anges 31. When the jacket sections 38 are threaded together the surfaces 39 are brought into tight sealing cooperation with the sloping surfaces of the flanges 31. This sealing cooperation effectively excludes fluid and solid matter particles from the slots 32.

The lower` valve means I3 is adapted to control communication between the interior of the body I and that portion of the well below the sealing means or packing means II. The Valve I3 may be arranged on the lowermost body section I 4 where it is spaced below the lower set of sealing members 29. In accordance with the invention the valve I3 is an external valve and comprises one or more ports 4I) in the lowermost body section I4 and a turnable valve sleeve 4I on the section to control the ports, see Fig. 5. The valve sleeve 4I is similar to the above described sleeve 29 but is controlled by turning of the body IU. The sleeve 4I is equipped with outwardly bowed leaf springs 42 for frictionallv engaging the interior of the liner L to resist movement of the sleeve when the body ID is operated to control the valve means I3. The springs 42 may be mounted in the same manner as the springs 39. The sleeve 4I has ports 46 adapted to register with the ports 49 upon turning of the body I9 relative to the sleeve. Packing sets 43 are provided on the ends of the valve sleeve 4I and caps 44 are threaded on the sleeve to retain and actuate the packing sets to seal with the exterior of the body I0 for the purpose of excluding liquid and foreign matter particles from the sleeve. The packing sets 43 and caps 44 may be similar to the above described packing sets and caps 36.

Means is provided to govern the valve sleeve 4I. A pair of diametrically opposite circumferential slots 45 is provided in the valve sleeve 4I and pins 41 are xed on the body I0 to slidably operate in the slots 45. The parts are formed and related so that the engagement of the pins 41 with the forward end of the slots 45 aligns the ports with the ports 46 and the engagement of the pins 41 with the rear ends of the slots 45 limits turning of the body I0 relative to the sleeve 4I in a position where the ports 4U are closed. When the body I0 is turned a short distance to the right the body is brought to a position where the ports 40 are in registration with the ports 46 to place the interior of the body I0 in communication with the well below the chamber C. The slots 45 are preferably considerably longer than the lateral arms 33 of the slots 32. In most operations the valve sleeve 4I remains in the closed position with the pins 41 engaged in the rear portions of the slots 45 so that the ports 4I) remain closed until the tool is to be moved through the well to a new position for operation or is to be withdrawn from the well at the completion of the operations.

The valve sleeve 4I is equipped with jacket means for sealing the slots 45. External annular flanges 48 are provided on the sleeve 4I above and below the slots 45 and the flanges have tapered or sloping end surfaces. A jacket engages around the slotted portion of the valve sleeve 4I and comprises two threadedly connected tubular sections 49. The sections 49 have slopingr or bevelled internal surfaces 5l) engageable with the bevelled ends of the flanges 49. When the jacket sections 49 are threaded t0- gether the surfaces 5 are brought into sealing cooperation with the fianges 48 and this cooperation excludes fluid and solid matter particles from the jacket so that the slots 45 are fully protected.

In the use or operation of the tool the parts are assembled as illustrated. and the body In is connected with the lower end of the string S to be run into the well thereon. The pins A1 are engaged in the rear portions of the slots 45 to latch or hold the valve means I3 closed for the running in operation. The valve means I2 may be either opened or closed when the tool is being lowered into the well. When the tool is lowered through the well the ball valve I9 may open so that the tool may be lowered through the column of fluid standing in the well with a minimum of interference. With the valve I9 open fluid is free to flow upwardly through the body i9 and through the port 25 to above the sealing members 29. Assuming that the tool is to be employed in a cementing operation it is usually preferred to wash or flush the tool and the liner L before introducing the cement. To perform this washing operation it is necessary to have the valve means I 2 open. If the valve means I2 is closed when the tool reaches the operative position in the liner the string S is ncoved downwardly and turned a short distance to the right to latch the pins 34 in the lateral slet arms 33. This operation uncovers the ports 28. The washing or flushing fluid may either be pumped down the that fluid may be circulated through the chamber, and valve means operable to open and close said port including a shiftable element on the.

body adapted to cover or uncover the port, friction means on the element engageable with the well lining to resist movement of the element, a slot in the element, a pin on the body operating in the slot to govern relative movement between the body and element for the purpose of covering and uncovering the port, and means for sealing off the slot from the interior of the well lining.

5. A well tool for use ona tubular string comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to have its upper portion communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is provided between the body and well lining, a partition across the interior of the body, means formedin the body for providing communication between the interior of the string and the chamber, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body which is below the partition and the interior of the well lining outside the body above the packing members, the body having a port for putting the chamber in communication with the interior of said portion of the body below the partition so that iluid may be circulated through the chamber, and valve means operable to open and close said port including a shiftable element on the body adapted to cover or uncover the port, friction means on the element engageable with the well lining to resist movement of the element, a slot in the element, a pin on the body operating in the slot to govern relative movement between the body and element for the purpose of covering and uncovering the port, packing means on the ends of the element for sealing with the body to exclude iluid from the element, and jacket means for sealing the slot from the interior of the well lining.

A tool to be operated on a tubular well string and adapted to enter a well lining comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is dened between the body and well lining, the body having a port for placing its interior in communication with the chamber, a transverse partition in the body above said port, the body having a second port placing the chamber in communication with the interior of the body above the partition and a third port putting the portion of the interior of the body below the partition in communication with the interior of the well lining above the chamber, and valve means having elements engageable with the lwell lining and operable by manipulation of the string for opening and closing the first named port.

7. A tool to be operated on a tubular well string and adapted to enter a well lining comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is defined between the body and well lining, the body having a port for placing its interior in communication with the chamber, a transverse partition in the body above said port, an opening in the body for putting the interior of that portion of the body above the partition in communication with the chamber, a second opening in the body for placing that portion of the interior of the body below the partition in communication with the interior of the well lining above the packing members, and valve means for opening and closing said port.

8. A tool to be operated on a tubular well string and adapted to enter a well lining comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is defined between the body and well lining, the body having a port for placing its interior in communication with the chamber, a transverse partition in the body above said port, an opening in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body above the partition and the chamber, a second opening in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body below the partition and the interior of the well lining above the packing members, valve means for opening and closing said port, and a control for the valve means operable by manipulation of the string.

9. A tool to be operated on a tubular well string and adapted to enter a well lining comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is provided between the body and well lining, the body having a port for placing its interior in communication with the chamber, a transverse partition in the body above said port, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion oi' the body above the partition and the chamber, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body below the partition and the interior of the well lining above the packing members, and Valve means for opening and closing said port including a sleeve on the exterior of the body adapted to have relative movement with respect to the body and adapted to cover the port, and means on the sleeve for frictionally cooperating with the well lining whereby the port may be covered by the sleeve and uncovered upon movement of the body relative to the sleeve.

l0. A tool to be operated on a tubular well Astring and adapted to enter a well linging comprising a' tubular body to be secured to the string to communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is provided between the body and well lining, the body having a port for placing its interior in communication with the chamber, a transverse partition in the body above said port, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body above the partition and the chamber, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body below the partition and the interior of the well lining above the packing members, valve means controlled by manipulation of the string for opening and closing said port, the body having an opening for putting the interior of that portion of the body below said partition in communication with the well below the chamber, and valve means for opening and closing said opening.

11. A tool to be operated on a tubular well string and adapted to enter a well linging comprising a tubular body to be secured to the string to communicate therewith, spaced packing members on the body for sealing between the body and the well lining whereby a chamber is de'ned between the body and well lining, the body having a port for placing its interior in communication with the chamber, a transverse partition in the body above said port, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body above the partition and the chamber, means formed in the body for providing communication between the interior of that portion of the body below the partitien and the interior of the well lining above the packing members, and valve means for opening and closing said port including a sleeve on the exterior of the body adapted to have relative movement with respect to the body and adapted to cover or uncover the port, means on the sleeve for frictionally cooperating with the well lining whereby the port may be covered and uncovered by the sleeve upon movement of the body relative to the sleeve, and releasable latch means for connecting the body and sleeve against relative movement with the port open.

FRANK P. AUSBURN. y

CHARLES C. WINSLOW. 

